Benefit in aid of surgery for James King

It's been some years since the James King Band played over here, but we know there are plenty of admirers of James King and his music in Ireland; and they will have been sorry to hear of the major health problems that James has had for much of this year.

He is now preparing for a liver transplant, and the bluegrass community is rallying around with an all-star benefit concert to be held in Nashville on 15 Dec. 2014. Thanks to Bluegrass Today for full details including a link for online booking, plus a further link whereby those who want to donate to a fund to offset the costs of treatment can do so here.

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Further news on Bluegrass Today of health problems for well known figures in our music include features on Miss Dixie Hall (England's main now-living gift to bluegrass), who continues to write and record songs despite a brain tumour; and mandolinist Ronnie Prevette, now recovering from a stroke. Bluegrass Today mentions that well-wishers can leave messages on Ronnie's Facebook page; and this deserves a visit just to see the cover picture, showing Ronnie and Bill Emerson singing a trio with the late King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin. Click on the photo to see more of it, and them.